Hole 17 at Bethpage State Oark (Red Course)

Par 3 • 165 Yards • Farmingdale, New York

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Challenging

The 17th hole at Bethpage Red stands as an iconic and daunting penultimate test, perched dramatically on a hillside with its green heavily fortified by bunkers. This challenging par 3 embodies the strategic design philosophy that has made Bethpage a revered test of golf since the 1930s.

Tees:

165y160y144y

Green:30y × 28y

1 Bunker dogleg

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Bethpage State Oark (Red Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 165 yds
Green: 5275 sq ft
Bunkers: 1
Course Slope: 130
Course Rating: 75.1

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Dial in your mid-irons — accuracy is everything on a short par 3.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 165-yard par 3 demands precision over power - select a club that ensures solid contact rather than forcing a shorter iron, as the green's modest 5,275 square foot target (30x28 yards) requires accuracy to avoid the surrounding hazards.

hazard warning

The bunkers positioned at 119.7 yards from the tee create a strategic challenge - they're well short of the green but perfectly placed to catch mis-hit shots or conservative plays, demanding commitment to reach the putting surface.

approach

With no fairway width at either 200 or 250 yards, this hole offers no bail-out areas - it's green or trouble, making club selection and swing tempo critical for finding the relatively small 28-yard deep target.

green

The compact 30-yard wide green rewards aggressive pin-seeking only when conditions are favorable - in windy conditions or under pressure, aim for the center of this 5,275 square foot target to avoid the heavily fortified surrounds.

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your mid-iron. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Short par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 165 yards, most golfers will need a mid-iron (7-iron to 8-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 17?

This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 17?

Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 17?

The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.

What's a good score on hole 17?

This hole is a solid par with birdie chances for precise approach shots. Making par is a good result here. Focus on hitting the green and avoiding three-putts.

Can I practice hole 17 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Bethpage State Oark (Red Course). You can play this exact par 3 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →